June 7, 2026
World Cup fixtures could face significant disruption due to severe weather conditions, as FIFA regulations do not set a fixed cut-off point for suspending or abandoning matches.
Under U.S. thunderstorm safety protocols, play must be stopped immediately if lightning or electrical activity is detected within an eight-mile radius of a stadium.
Players are then escorted off the pitch and taken to dressing rooms, while supporters are directed to designated safe areas inside the venue.
Once lightning is detected within the zone, a 30-minute countdown begins. If no further strikes occur during that period, the match can resume. However, any additional lightning resets the timer back to zero, with the cycle continuing until a full 30-minute window passes without further activity.
